Lead Tech, a Yorkshire-based financial lead generation company, has obtained authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority.

The firm’s chief executive Nigel Borwell said: “We embarked on the journey to becoming FCA authorised back in 2020 and have worked extremely hard and consulted closely with the regulator throughout, to ensure that both our clients, and the consumers we introduce them to, continue to enjoy a completely transparent service.

“Lead Tech’s clients range from small independent businesses through to FTSE 100 companies. Being FCA authorised reinforces the quality of our websites, online advertising, paid search and social marketing, as well as reinforcing the fact the leads we generate have a genuine interest and requirement for our clients’ services.”

He added: “While being one of the first lead generation specialists in the UK to secure FCA authorisation may give us a temporary advantage over our competitors, we’re looking forward to seeing other reputable companies within our industry following our example. Ultimately, as more companies follow suit, it will significantly benefit both the industry, its reputation and most importantly, the consumer.”

This accreditation comes as new rules are about to come into effect on 30 August.

The rules are intended to crack down on unscrupulous operators and scammers posting fake financial adverts online.

Enforcement action will take effect on 6 September against firms not complying with the new rules.

Businesses advertising financial related services on Google’s platforms will have to be authorised by the FCA.

Google’s platforms include its search engine as well as Youtube.

In an email to UK financial services businesses, Google said it will request advertisers to show they have received authorisation from the regulator.

Borwell added: “For too long, dishonest lead generators have been using Google to peddle misleading financial adverts and scams, so these changes are extremely good news for UK consumers.

“We have always been advocates of consumer-first marketing and believe wholeheartedly that this will result in a much better and safer experience for consumers, because it will give them the peace of mind that adverts for financial products and services are only from reputable companies.“